American Cancer Society Report: Growing Number of Cancer Survivors in the U.S.

A new report from the American Cancer Society reveals that as of January 1, 2025, an estimated 18.4 million people in the United States are living with a history of cancer—a number projected to continue rising in the coming years.

The report, published in CA: A Cancer Journal for Clinicians, attributes the growing survivor population to advances in early detection, treatment, and supportive care. Most survivors are aged 65 or older, reflecting the strong link between aging and cancer risk.

Breast, prostate, and colorectal cancers account for the majority of survivorship cases. However, with more survivors living longer, the healthcare system faces increasing demands to manage the long-term effects of cancer and its treatment.

“Cancer doesn’t end with treatment,” the authors note. Survivors often grapple with ongoing challenges such as chronic fatigue, cognitive issues, and emotional distress. The report calls for better integration of survivorship care into routine oncology and primary care, with a focus on quality of life and long-term monitoring.

The findings also stress the need for equitable access to follow-up care and support services, especially as disparities persist across racial, socioeconomic, and geographic lines.

Experts say healthcare providers, policymakers, and researchers must collaborate to ensure survivorship care evolves alongside the growing population. Investment in personalized care plans, survivorship education, and healthcare infrastructure will be critical to meeting future needs.

The full report provides detailed statistics on treatment patterns, demographics, and cancer types among survivors, offering a roadmap for addressing the next phase of the cancer care continuum.